Nets’ Star Michael Porter Jr. Available to Play Against Undermanned Denver Nuggets

On January 4, 2026, the Brooklyn Nets received a significant boost ahead of their home matchup against the Denver Nuggets at Barclays Center: forward Michael Porter Jr. was confirmed available after missing the previous two games due to a non-COVID illness. Initially listed as probable on the injury report released January 3, Porter was cleared following pregame evaluations, allowing him to suit up in what many anticipated as a highly personal “revenge game” against his former team.

Porter, traded from Denver to Brooklyn in the offseason blockbuster that sent Cam Johnson the other way, had been thriving in his new role as the Nets’ primary scoring option. Entering the contest averaging a career-high 25.8 points per game on elite efficiency (around 50/41/80 shooting splits), his absence had coincided with Brooklyn dropping consecutive games by large margins. The Nets stood at 10-22, mired in a three-game skid, but Porter’s return injected optimism—especially against a Nuggets squad severely depleted by injuries.

Denver arrived in Brooklyn undermanned, missing three-time MVP Nikola Jokić (left knee hyperextension and bone bruise, expected out at least four weeks), backup center Jonas Valančiūnas (right calf strain), and forward Cameron Johnson (right knee bone bruise). While Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun made their returns from lengthy absences (hamstring and ankle injuries, respectively), both were on minutes restrictions, limiting their impact. Jamal Murray was probable with a left ankle sprain but carried the offensive load.

Porter’s Illness and Road to Availability

Porter’s illness struck suddenly, forcing him out of games against the Houston Rockets and Washington Wizards—losses that exposed Brooklyn’s reliance on his scoring. Without him, the Nets struggled offensively, posting subpar efficiency and failing to compensate defensively. Coach Jordi Fernandez noted Porter’s determination: “He’s feeling great. He did a lot of work yesterday to make sure that he was ready to go. He hasn’t felt great the last few days, but he feels much better.”

The timing added intrigue. This marked Porter’s first matchup against Denver since the trade, a deal that allowed the Nuggets to shed salary for depth while giving Porter a larger role. He had publicly mentioned circling the date on his calendar, eager to showcase his growth. Being available ensured the narrative played out on the court.

Nic Claxton (personal reasons) and Haywood Highsmith (knee) remained out for Brooklyn, forcing Day’Ron Sharpe into the starting center role. But Porter’s green light changed everything.

The Undermanned Nuggets: Surviving Without Jokić

Denver’s injury crisis reached a peak in late December. Jokić’s hyperextension in Miami on December 29 was the knockout blow, sidelining the league’s statistical leader (29.6 PPG, 12.2 RPG, 11.0 APG). Early updates were encouraging—no structural damage, with reports of the Nuggets being “pleasantly surprised” by his movement—but the four-week minimum absence tested their depth.

Valančiūnas lasted one start before his calf strain, leaving Denver thin inside. The returns of Gordon (20 points in 21 minutes) and Braun (restricted minutes) provided athleticism, but rust and limitations showed. Interim coach David Adelman called it a relief: “We’ve had a good 48 hours, those two guys. Thank God. We could use the bodies.”

Murray shouldered the burden, but without Jokić’s gravity, defenses collapsed. The Nuggets entered at 23-11 but vulnerable on a seven-game road trip.

Game Impact: Porter Shines in Victory

With Porter available, Brooklyn dominated wire-to-wire, winning 127-115 and snapping their skid. Porter delivered a game-high 27 points (8-17 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 9-9 FT), 11 rebounds, five assists, and one block in 32 minutes—his all-around play overwhelming Denver’s depleted frontcourt.

Six Nets scored in double figures, including strong contributions from Noah Clowney (22), Cam Thomas (17), and Day’Ron Sharpe (17). Brooklyn led for over 90% of the game, building a 22-point cushion and outrebounding Denver 44-33.

Murray posted 27 points and a career-high 16 assists, Hardaway Jr. added 26, and Gordon chipped in 20 efficiently. But the Nuggets couldn’t match Brooklyn’s balance or energy.

Postgame, Porter kept it classy: hugs with former teammates, emphasis on friendships enduring the business side. Yet his performance spoke volumes—a statement that his superstar potential, long delayed by injuries and role constraints in Denver, is blooming in Brooklyn.

Why Porter’s Availability Mattered So Much

Without Porter, Brooklyn was 0-6 this season, underscoring his importance on a rebuilding team. His scoring volume, efficiency, and expanding playmaking (career-high assists) make him the engine. Against Denver, he adapted to heavy attention, drawing fouls and facilitating when doubled.

For the Nets (now 11-22), the win provided momentum heading into a tough January. Porter’s health stabilizes their offense, fueling All-Star buzz and trade speculation—contenders covet his scoring, but Brooklyn seems intent on building around him.

Denver fell to 23-12, exposing Jokić dependency. Depth additions helped short-term, but sustaining contention requires his return.

Broader Storylines: Trade Reflections and Futures

The offseason trade looks increasingly favorable for Brooklyn. Porter, at 27, delivers on pre-draft hype as a Durant-like scorer. Denver prioritized flexibility but may regret losing his upside if he sustains this level.

Gordon and Braun’s returns offer hope for treading water until Jokić (potentially late January). Positive recovery reports keep spirits high.

Porter’s availability turned a potential low-drama game into must-watch TV. His dominance reaffirmed self-belief: always expecting to be among the league’s best.

As seasons progress, this January 4 clash may be remembered as the moment MPJ fully announced his arrival as a star—against the team that let him go.